A community group in Athenry has launched a public awareness campaign amid growing concerns over a proposed fossil fuel power plant planned for the outskirts of the town.
The Athenry Peaker Plant Concern Group says the Cashla Peaker Plant, a Bord Gáis Energy project which includes an Open Cycle Gas Turbine and diesel plant with a capacity of 334 MW, would pose significant public health, environmental and heritage risks if approved. According to the group, the development, which would include a 30-metre chimney stack, is expected to operate on a limited daily basis to meet peak energy demand.
In a statement issued by Athenry Peaker Plant Concern Group, the group writes that a similar project at the same site was refused planning permission in 2009 due to concerns over air pollution and public health, issues they believe remain unresolved. “This proposal offers minimal benefit to the local community while introducing serious health and environmental risks,” the group said in the statement.
Among the key concerns raised are potential air quality impacts on vulnerable residents, disruption to local infrastructure during construction, and the possible erosion of Athenry’s tourism and heritage appeal. The group has also questioned the plant’s contribution to local job creation and energy security, arguing that it conflicts with Ireland’s wider climate goals. They warn that homeowners could face increased heating and ventilation costs due to lower air quality and have also highlighted the potential for additional developments, such as a biogas facility, to be added on-site in future.
Residents are being encouraged to engage with the group via its social media channels and to attend a public meeting taking place on Thursday, August 28, at 7.30pm in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, where the group will outline the project’s potential impact and discuss next steps.
Further information is available via the Athenry Peaker Plant Concern Group’s social media channels.
